From 2025, Four-Year-Old Kindergarten will gradually transition to Pre-Prep, with funded kindergarten programs across Victoria increasing from 15 to 30 hours each week by 2032.
Led by qualified teachers, Pre-Prep will give children greater opportunities to socialise and learn through play and create stronger connections with children and families. Pre-Prep will be delivered through standalone (sessional) kindergartens and long day care centres.
Pre-Prep will start in 6 local government areas (LGAs) in 2025 and gradually roll out across the state. New LGAs will be added to the roll-out each year.
The staged schedule allows time to grow the necessary workforce and infrastructure, and for services to get ready to run expanded programs.
By 2032, children across Victoria will have access to 1,800 hours of funded kindergarten before school, comprising 600 hours of Three-Year-Old Kindergarten and 1,200 hours of Pre-Prep.
2025 Pre-Prep roll-out
Pre-Prep will be available to children in the following local government areas in 2025:
- Ararat
- Gannawarra
- Hindmarsh
- Murrindindi
- Northern Grampians
- Yarriambiack.
Pre-Prep programs will be between 16 and 30 hours each week. Our early childhood improvement branches are available to offer tailored support, including about modelling options, to assist services in the 2025 roll-out.
The department has sent interim policy and funding settings to approved providers who have services starting Pre-Prep in 2025.
These settings apply to 2025 Pre-Prep delivery only, and we will provide further details on the 2026 Pre-Prep policy and funding settings later in the year. We will update the Kindergarten Funding Guide to reflect the interim funding arrangements.
Find out more
For more information, refer to the Pre-Prep roll-out schedule.
For further enquiries, contact your local Early Childhood Improvement Branch.
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